THE Siyakhuluma Project has grown since the pilot course was introduced to Durban North residents last year. The non-profit organisation was founded by local resident, Christo Spetsiotis, to bridge the linguistic gap between the English and isiZulu-speaking residents of KwaZulu-Natal, by offering affordable, accessible and practical isiZulu lessons.
Not only has the interest in the course doubled, but the passionate founder of the project, who previously earned a living as a tour guide, has recently dedicated his full attention to the project.
During the pilot programme 16 students signed up for the course at the George Bizos Greek School at the Hellenic Community Centre. For the second course, 30 students attended three classes offered in Durban North as well as Hillcrest, at Hillcrest High School.
“The course has garnered such a positive response, and there has been a constant good vibe from all of the students. I am loving the process, and feel so lucky and blessed to be able to do something that I feel so passionate about, on a full-time basis. I still cannot believe that my dream is actually happening,” said an elated Spetsiotis.
According to Spetsiotis, he plans to continue to expand the NPO’s reach and has set his sights on Berea and Westville for the next term. “I am also trying to introduce the course to pre-schools and corporate companies in the Durban North area,” he said.
Tholani Hlongwa, a full-time University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) lecturer, who teaches the Durban North students as part of a community engagement project, said she feels at home within the project, and has been equally thrilled and impressed by its reception within the Durban community.
“It feels good to be a part of the project. I like the attitude of the adults who attend the classes. It is clear that they have a desire to learn,” she said.
Glenda Slade, a Durban North resident who has been attending the lessons in the second course, admitted that although it has been a huge learning curve for her, she had received only positive responses from the isiZulu-speaking residents who she has encountered since her lessons began.
“At first they were kind-of surprised by the fact that I spoke to them in isiZulu, even if it was just a few words. They reacted with warmth and enthusiasm,” she said.
